Cruise the Ultimate Travel & Vacation Expo and discover Royal Caribbean International

By
Heidi Bitsoli, The Macomb Daily

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

These days, a cruise vacation is hardly a mere week on the water with buffets and dinner shows thrown into the mix.

Today it can include a walk in the park, a rock-climbing jaunt, a casino trip, a Broadway show, a city stroll, a zip-lining adventure, and much, much more.

Those few activities just scratch the surface of what Royal Caribbean International has to offer. Anyone curious to research, browse, daydream or book a trip can visit to the Ultimate Travel and Vacation Expo, which will dock at the Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Auburn Hills on Oct. 13 and 14.

Royal Caribbean International’s business development manager, Marianne Hessler, will share what the line has to offer as well as the deals provided to guests attending the expo. She also plans on doing several presentations:

Oct. 13, 1 p.m.: A program for first-time cruisers

Oct. 14, 1 p.m.: Returning customers can learn what’s new at Royal Caribbean

“On Sunday, Oct. 14 at 2:30pm I will also be doing a presentation on Azamara Club Cruises - also owned by the Royal Caribbean Family of brands,” Hessler added. “It’s a small boutique cruise line, offering a more inclusive environment, very destination focused product. We like to say it’s the ocean version of a river cruise.”

Hessler said anybody who has thought of taking a getaway should attend the expo. Whether someone is thinking of journeying to China or taking a weekend up north, Hessler said they’ll walk away with ideas -- and possibly travel plans.

As for Royal Caribbean International, the two largest liners are the Oasis and the Allure of the Seas, but there are 22 ships in the fleet that offer travelers of all ages, escape and entertainment galore.

The 5,400-passenger Allure is said to be the world’s largest ship, at 1,187 feet long, with a crew of 2,384, and seven neighborhoods (yes, neighborhoods), including its own Central Park and 25 dining options. Cruisers can relax with spa services or chill by one of several pools. There’s adventure, with FlowRider® surf simulators, rock climbing walls, a basketball court, ice skating rink, mini golf course and carousel.

The whole family can have fun, too. There are DreamWorks characters to meet, plus a nursery, teen lounge and disco, waterpark, 3D movie theater and more.

Also part of the entertainment provided are the Broadway productions, the AquaTheater and ice shows, a casino, bars and nightclubs, themed parties, shopping, and more. Heck, there’s even a Starbucks.

And of course there are the destinations: The Bahamas, the Caribbean, South America, Alaska, Asia, Australia, Europe, and Hawaii and beyond.

The smaller liners -- though they’re hardly small -- also offer many of the Oasis and Allure options; they’re just scaled down. Pricing starts in the neighborhood of $90 a day per passenger, and goes up, depending on whether one wants a room with a balcony, or other add-ons.

To watch videos and explore, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or www.azamaraclubcruises.com

The Ultimate Travel & Vacation Expo will be held Oct. 13 and 14 at Ultimate Soccer & Expo Center, located at 867 South Blvd., Auburn Hills. Show hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 13, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 14. Admission is $7 for adults, and free for children 17 and younger. To learn more, visit www.ultimatetravelexpo.com